What a weekend. What a week! What a week before that, all wrapping up a pretty incredible December. Christmas 2016 has been particularly magical and exhausting in the best ways.
Truth? It’s been that kind of year for us. One mammoth joy after another, one long stream of hard labor following a workload we had though might break us (but didn’t), then more. Plenty of surprises, some steadiness, lots of prayers answered and trust fulfilled. All of it loosely French-braided into a beautiful, hopeful, satisfying, thrilling, humbling life. This has been a year for the books, and at the same time it feels a lot like a really great warm up. We are happily poised for the new year and cannot wait to share some exciting stuff with you guys.
But first, some Christmas notes. It was so amazing.
We have become acquainted with a local group called “Jedi OKC” who organizes not just fun social events but also some heart-warming charity efforts, too. Our early winter has been full of excellent time with these folks. Below is a good part of them dressed up for a local theater premier of Rogue One. My husband is Kylo Ren. I love this photo so much, haha! In the coming months I’ll share more about his new part of our life. We are pretty excited.
I told you that Jocelyn surprised us, right? That she just pulled up to the farm one day, ready to celebrate Christmas a whole week early, and basically made my heart explode? She spent less than a week in Oklahoma but visited the farm (including one fun coffee-and-shopping trip) several times. We opened gifts, ate lots of homemade food, made Tiger Butter together, enjoyed technicolor sunsets and horse time, caught up with each other, met a couple more of her friends, and just gave thanks day and night for her happiness and strength.
Then she made it back “home” to Colorado and has since been caring for an injured friend, working triple shifts, and feeding and loving her dog Bridget like a pro. We are so very proud of her. We miss her, and we miss her little sister so much for different reasons, but we are happy and thankful.
Side note: Klaus thought that week was all about him and Bridget.
Then we had a few quiet days at the farm to finish apron orders (thank you to everyone who made this sewing season amazing!!), do some low-key partying with friends, add sparkling farm decorations, and shop for final gifts.
Klaus going for a stick fetch on our frozen pond.
Handsome and Klaus and I all traded surprises here and there, cleaned the house one final time, then prepared for another very special visitor…
Genevieve!!
My baby sister spent an extra long Christmas weekend at the farm, and all of the Lazy W residents thoroughly enjoyed every second of her being here. During her stay we ate well and frequently (two recipes coming soon!), talked long and late about things both important and not so, and laughed a lot. Gen and I went running together a few times and compared all kinds of opinions on workout gear and healthy eating. Handsome and I once again gave thanks for the happiness and strength of another precious young woman in our life.
The three of us visited our Grandpa Stubbs and drove to the City for a double dose of family fun. Our sister Angela’s kids were all together and provided the clan with a gorgeous Christmas carol music concert. Dante plays the trumpet, and the little girls are both learning the violin. It made me cry.
Have you heard of the board game called “Telestrations?” Yeah. Find it and purchase ASAP. You’re welcome.
It’s like a cross between pictionary and the old-fashioned telephone rumors game. Genius.
We hosted a spontaneous slumber party for all the local siblings and our sister Angela’s kiddos, and it was perfect. It was the first time in many years that so many of us slept under the same roof. Pretty cool. Then Mom, Dad, and Grandpa Stubbs joined us at the farm for brunch the next day. I loved it.
Shenanigans, basically.
Side note: Klaus thought this past week was all about him and either Gen or the nieces or maybe him and my Dad and Grandpa Stubbs.
He’s not wrong, he’s just self-centered in the sweetest way, ok? This dog has lots of love to give and needs as much in return.
Our long holiday weekend with Gen was awesome. Truly. We miss her a lot.
As I said before, the whole month of December has been one for the books. Magical and meaningful, love-filled and happy.
So we are luxuriating now, soaking up all the good vibrations of a December well spent. A holiday season that rewarded and nourished us. We feel well fed and strong, ready to face the end of the calendar year with fresh energy for January.
Thank you for being here, Gen! Thank you, Mom and Dad, and Angela, and Jocelyn. Thank you to our friends and Jedi OKC and everyone who contributed to the feeling of joy and lightness lately. We cherish you.
“What is making that meow sound?”
~Genevieve Michelle Dunaway, age 33
XOXOXOXO
Thank you babe for a wonderful Christmas season. It was filled with so much joy, the underlying sadnesses never had a chance.
I love you more now than ever. Here is to old memories, new experiences, and hopes for the future.
Love always, now, and forever.
Christmas has become an all-year feeling with you. I love what you said here- that sadness never had a chance. It really didn’t. I am beyond excited for the future together!